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"BIRDS COME FIRST"
PARROT WEBSITE




Sometimes one small event can change our lives in a very positive way! About ten years ago, a relative had a pair of lovebirds that she could no longer keep. She asked me if I might be willing to take them and take care of them. I did some research on lovebirds and being a voracious lover of knowledge, I found out everything I could about these little parrots. I then adopted George and Gracie and my life has never been the same.


I didn't really begin to handle parrots until several years later when Gracie crossed over the "Rainbow Bridge". I was told at that time that it might be a good idea to bring home another bird to keep George company after he lost his mate. This is when I found Figaro at a local pet shop. Figaro is a wonderful cockatiel! She was in her own cage right beside George. It was working with Figgy that I learned how incredible birds could be. Figgy is an extremely affectionate bird. I had no idea that a bird could be like that!

On another trip to the same pet shop, I walked past the birds and in a split second, there was a cockatiel on my arm!! To make a long story short, Princess picked me and I just had to bring her home. Princess is such a "Daddy's Girl"! She even flirts with me in "Birdy Body Language". (I'll go into that subject on the "BEHAVIOR" page) As time went on, I gained more experience handling smaller birds. As I learned to handle birds, it was noticed by several other "bird people" that I had a special way with hard to handle birds. For some reason, birds that were biters or hard to train seemed to calm down for me and really relax. That made working with them very easy for me.


My ability to work with the problem birds was a blessing in many ways. I was given the opportunity to adopt several really tough birds and then work with them to turn them around. There was Sunny a.k.a. Sunstorm and Sunny "D" as he became known. These are two Sun conures that I adopted at separate times because their previous owners couldn't stand being bitten anymore. They also could not stand the "noise" that these little guys could produce. You can read about these guys on the "STORIES" page.

As my knowledge progressed, I was asked to adopt larger birds like Dory and Janai. They were two very badly abused Congo African Grey Parrots. They were vicious and could not trust humans at all. Both birds had had their feet and wings broken by their previous owner so you can imagine how trust could be an issue for them.


Casper a feather plucking Umbrella Cockatoo was another tough challenge and she is doing remarkably well! Although Casper's care was excellent prior to her living with me, there was something that she was not happy with. As many parrots do, she began to pluck her own feathers. Again, check out the "STORIES" page for more on Casper!

It is important to note that I do not rehome my birds. I believe that they should have a permanent home once they are with me. Many of these birds have had traumatic pasts and I feel responsible for them and their well being. I WILL NOT damage their trust again by placing them elsewhere! For people who understand, these birds are like my children. They are all different and all LOVED!!

It is without question a huge challenge and there is no greater reward than being able to socialize a badly handled, or abused parrot.

"BIRDS COME FIRST" is an attitude that I've developed over the years and I try to do my best to put my birds first. I will also be the first to say that I am not perfect and that there are times when everything is not 100% perfect. I strive to reach 100% but realistically, I am human but I do my best! Once these beautiful and wonderful birds come to me, I do everything I can to adjust them to their new surroundings. Each new parrot is medically evaluated then given every opportunity to flourish and reach his or her potential as an avian companion. If there are any behavioral issues, I will work carefully with that individual parrot to determine the best course of treatment for that particular bird. Having had many years of experience with behaviors ranging from severe biting to feather plucking and working birds through their "issues", I feel confident that I can help any parrot improve his or her life. Using Love and Careful Nurturing, I feel that any problems can be improved or overcome.






Birds Come First
P.O. Box 1008
Olalla, WA 98359
2005 by WILLIAM O'ROURKE